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Principal Data Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Korn Ferry

Principal Data Engineer

Westlake, TX · On-site

Principal Data Engineer (Python/AI) Overview The Principal Data Engineer (Python/AI) is hands on technical leader within a global, multi product organization. This role focuses on a centralized data ...

GTT, LLC

Principal Data Engineer

Philadelphia, PA

$85 - $90/hr

Principal Data Engineer Location: Philadelphia, PA Onsite Flexibility: HybridJob DetailsPosition Type: Right to HireContract Duration: 6 month conversionPay Rate: $85.00 $90.00 / Hour (USD)Schedule ...

MD Anderson

Principal Data Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

$146K/yr

The Principal Data Engineer leads the design, development, optimization, and operationalization of enterprise data solutions across the Context Engine framework. The Principal Data Engineer partners ...

MD Anderson

Principal Data Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

The Principal Data Engineer leads the design, development, optimization, and operationalization of enterprise data solutions across the Context Engine framework. The Principal Data Engineer partners ...

MD Anderson Center

Principal Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

The Principal Data Engineer leads the design, development, optimization, and operationalization of enterprise data solutions across the Context Engine framework. The Principal Data Engineer partners ...

MD Anderson

Principal Data Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

The Principal Data Engineer leads the design, development, optimization, and operationalization of enterprise data solutions across the Context Engine framework. The Principal Data Engineer partners ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Principal Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$106K - $127K/yr

Principal Data Engineer Location: Houston, TX - 4 days/week onsite Duration: Full time / Direct Hire The Principal Data Engineer within the Data Science and Analytics team, plays a crucial role in ...

IVID TEK INC

Principal Data Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K - $110K/hr

Principal Data Engineer - Principal Data Engineer Job Type: Contract W2 Location: Johnston, RI or Charlotte, NC or Boston,MA Role Overview: Principal-level Java engineer to design and build ...

Robert Half

Principal Data Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$225K - $300K/yr

Principal Data Engineer | Direct Hire Permanent Location: Remote Salary: $225,000 - 300,000 base plus bonus potential *** For immediate and confidential consideration, please send a message to ...

Birdi

Principal Data Engineer

Plymouth, MI · Remote

$109K - $130K/yr

Principal Data Engineer Company: Birdi Work Type: Remote Employment: Full Time Location: US Seniority: Senior Level Technologies: Tableau, Tableau Server, SSIS, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Python, SSRS ...

Capstone IT

Principal Data Engineer

Springfield, MO · On-site

Principal Data Engineer *** Please note, this role is not open to third party candidates or agencies and does not provide sponsorship opportunities now or in the future. This opportunity is ...

Vestis

Principal Data Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Overview The Principal Data Engineer is a senior technical individual contributor (no direct people management required) responsible for driving technical excellence, architectural direction, and ...

Vistra Energy

Principal Data Engineer

Irving, TX · Hybrid

As a Principal Data Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting, designing, and implementing scalable and robust data solutions that enable efficient data processing, storage, and retrieval.

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Principal Data Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 200K as a Data Engineer?

Principal Data Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in cloud platforms, and expertise in big data tools can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or senior roles. Compensation varies based on location, industry, company size, and individual qualifications, with some senior data engineers earning close to or exceeding this figure.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Principal Data Engineer?

As a Principal Data Engineer, your day-to-day responsibilities generally include designing and optimizing large-scale data pipelines, developing architectural strategies, and overseeing the implementation of robust data solutions. You'll collaborate closely with data scientists, analysts, and software engineers to ensure the organization's data infrastructure is efficient, scalable, and secure. You may also mentor junior team members, review code, and set data engineering best practices. This role frequently requires balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning and stakeholder communication to align data initiatives with business goals.

What is a Principal Data Engineer job?

A Principal Data Engineer is a senior-level technical role responsible for designing, building, and maintaining large-scale data infrastructure. They lead data engineering teams, establish best practices, and ensure efficient data pipelines to support analytics and machine learning. This role involves working with cloud platforms, big data technologies, and distributed systems to optimize data processing. Principal Data Engineers collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to drive data-driven decision-making. Their work is critical in enabling organizations to leverage data effectively for insights and innovation.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Principal Data Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields like software, cloud, and machine learning often have salaries reaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What does a principal Data Engineer do?

A principal Data Engineer designs, develops, and maintains large-scale data systems and pipelines to support data analysis and business decision-making. They often lead data architecture initiatives, ensure data quality and security, and collaborate with data scientists and engineers using tools like SQL, Spark, and cloud platforms. This role typically requires extensive experience in data engineering and strong problem-solving skills.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Data Engineers or senior engineering roles in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in data architecture, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation at this level often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, typically found in large tech companies or organizations with significant data infrastructure needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Data Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Data Engineer, you need a deep understanding of data architecture, data modeling, ETL development, and distributed computing, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Python, SQL, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), as well as certifications in relevant tools or data engineering, is highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and effective cross-functional communication are essential soft skills for this role. These combined abilities enable Principal Data Engineers to design scalable data solutions, drive engineering best practices, and lead complex projects to successful completion.

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Principal Data Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Data Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Data Engineer

Principal Data Engineer

Korn Ferry

Westlake, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Principal Data Engineer (Python/AI) Overview The Principal Data Engineer (Python/AI) is hands on technical leader within a global, multi product organization. This role focuses on a centralized data analytics and intelligence platform, responsible for refining and unifying data to support enterprise reporting and AI/LLM driven outcomes. The position combines deep technical execution with architecture, design leadership, and team mentorship.

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